Scotland Coffee Lovers

We see a lot more men than women in speciality coffee - in Scotland and further afield.

Over the past 6 months I have been working with Pru Whitwell, friend, local blogger and owner of the free Scotland Coffee Lovers App to help share the stories and experiences of eleven women in the specialty coffee industry.

… We’re now seeing more female speciality coffee baristas than we used to. This trend is still young and other male-dominated industries have struggled with women joining and leaving in equal numbers.”

After speaking with the women who are driving and leading their speciality coffee careers in Scotland, we’re now feeling very optimistic.

Emiliya Yordanova

“… if I can be even a grain of sand, the tiniest bit, if I can inspire someone in a way, that would be amazing. To show to other women that they shouldn’t be afraid to try and be more ... if they’re interested in something they should pursue it”

Gillian McIntyre

“I am lucky that I was brought up to think that I can be anyone I want to be. My parents are older and worked with the hand they were dealt. I’ve never thought twice about starting a business or becoming a manager.”

Lisa Lawson

“Follow your passion and work hard. Start at entry level as a barista and learn. I’m very driven and can be a bit of a workaholic which isn’t for everyone, but surround yourself with people who encourage you.”

Claire Wallace

“A lot of the women in coffee in Scotland know each other and this community aspect is great. It’s also infuriating because there are so few of us. There are lots of cultural barriers for women who aren’t very confident. There’s quite a ‘bro culture’ in lots of places, especially in places that don’t have many women on staff. I think mostly the men don’t realise, but sometimes you know they do.”

Fiona Grant

“I covered a story on a Bolivian coffee buyer...went to the US on a trip…saw lots of coffee roasteries…got excited about setting up a roasting business, at an artisan level, in a remote glen in Scotland.”

Leonora Belcher

“I’ve long been accused of being emotional or reactive by men, when in fact I just have an honest and straight forward approach. It seems that this is an admirable quality in men but not so much in women.”

Maria Szeklicka

“I’ve been lucky to have my mum as a role model. On International Women’s Day I actually called to thank her for being such a powerhouse and for making me understand how important it is to treat everyone equally.”

Cath Franks

“The tough businessman persona is seen as more acceptable in men than women, ‘that you can treat people badly because hey, it’s just business’. Women are expected to be tough but more readily criticised if they stand up for themselves.”

Kirsty Stewart

“Because so many strong women have always surrounded me, I don’t think ‘women can’t do things’. And I feel like their voices are so much stronger and louder than anyone who might be saying ‘women can’t do things”